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Deadly Virus Found In New York Mosquitoes

Aerial spraying of Oswego County, New York, has begun after Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) was found in the county's mosquito populations.

EEE is a rare virus spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes, not just for horses, but for humans as well. The virus can cause brain swelling and is often fatal. The New York Department of Health reported EEE as an “imminent threat to public health.”

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Between two and five people die from EEE in the United States each year, report the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. In 2019, 19 people died from EEE.

Aerial pesticide spraying is a temporary measure to combat EEE and residents should remain diligent in their efforts to reduce exposure to mosquitoes.

Vaccinated SC Mare Euthanized After Contracting EEE

An 8-year-old mare in Aiken County, SC, was euthanized on December 2 after contracting Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), reports the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC). The mare had been vaccinated for the disease. This is the 16^th case of EEE in South Carolina in 2020.

EEE is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes that affects the central nervous system of horses. Horses with EEE can have a fever, be depressed, have no interest in food or show difficulty swallowing. Additionally, the horse may have behavior changes like aggression or drowsiness, or walk circles, press his head or become blind.

Fatality rates for EEE are between 75 and 80 percent, with death occurring two to three days after clinical signs come on. Horses that survive may have residual impairment.

EEE vaccinations are available and significantly reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, horse owners and caretakers should reduce mosquito populations as much as possible by removing standing water and applying insect repellent to equines.

Two EEE Cases In Florida Euthanized

On July 27, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) was confirmed both Santa Rosa and Bradford Counties in Florida. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reported on July 20 that an 8-year-old pony mare in Santa Rosa presented with incoordination, hind-end weakness and the inability to stand. The mare was euthanized. There was no EEE vaccination history

The horse with EEE in Bradford County was a 7-year-old pony gelding that began exhibiting signs on July 18. He was also unable to stand and uncoordinated. The gelding was also euthanized; he was undervaccinated.

These two horses are the 13th and 14th case of EEE in Florida in 2020.

Fatality rates for EEE are between 75 and 80 percent, with death occurring two to three days after clinical signs come on. Horses that survive may have residual impairment.

For more information about EEE, visit AAEP.

The post Two EEE Cases In Florida Euthanized appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Hot Summer And COVID-19 Could Lead To Rise In Cases Of Lyme Disease And EEE

This spring, COVID-19 caused the shutdown of many businesses and organizations, leaving people with much more free time than usual. With not many options to occupy themselves while still remaining social distant, people began spending more time outside.

Spring is also the time of year when the tick-borne diseases tend appear. There may be a surge in cases of diseases spread by ticks as people spend more time outside in warmer weather. Dr. Sam Telford, a professor of Infectious Disease and Global Health at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in Massachusetts, has been collecting ticks from a variety of areas to test them for infectious diseases like Lyme disease, which affects both horses and humans.

The majority of tick-borne disease cases occur between June and August; dry weather can shorten the lifespan of ticks. Warm summer weather can lead to a surge in mosquito populations, which carry their own set of diseases, including Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). EEE comes in three-year cycles, says Telford.

Many diseases carried by ticks and mosquitoes affect both humans and horses, as well as other companion animals. It's imperative that animals and humans be as protected as possible, which would include limiting standing water, checking for ticks daily, administering appropriate vaccines and applying insect repellents.